U.S. patent application number 12/463182 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for player interactive wagering using hole symbols and shifting gaming symbols.
Invention is credited to Galen Tanner Svanas.
Application Number | 20100285860 12/463182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43062649 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100285860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Svanas; Galen Tanner |
November 11, 2010 |
PLAYER INTERACTIVE WAGERING USING HOLE SYMBOLS AND SHIFTING GAMING
SYMBOLS
Abstract
A game is provided including a symbol shifting graphic display
at one or more gaming machines. Games, methods, systems, and
program products are taught using gaming symbols and hole symbols,
into which gaming symbols may be shifted during the course of the
game. Shifted symbols may reveal another hole symbol, or a bonus
symbol or multiplier symbol. The player is allowed to select a
symbol to shift in order to try and solve the matrix by producing a
winning combination of gaming symbols.
Inventors: |
Svanas; Galen Tanner;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Multimedia Games Inc
206 Wild Besin South
Austin
TX
78701
US
|
Family ID: |
43062649 |
Appl. No.: |
12/463182 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a wagering game for a player, the method
comprising: (a) receiving a wager input from the player; (b)
displaying a matrix of symbol locations including a plurality of
symbol locations; (c) displaying a number of first symbols of a
first symbol type at first selected symbol locations in the matrix,
the first symbol type indicative of elements in the matrix that are
made available to be used in forming patterns according to rules of
the game; (d) displaying a number of second symbols of a second
symbol type at second symbol selected locations in the matrix, the
second symbol type indicative of hole elements in the matrix that
may receive shifting symbols from other symbol locations in the
matrix; (e) receiving a first player selection input indicating a
chosen one of the first symbols in the matrix to be moved to the
location of a selected adjacent one of the second symbols; (f) in
response to receiving the first player selection input, shifting
the chosen one of the first symbols into the location of a selected
adjacent one of the second symbols; (g) after performing (f),
evaluating the matrix for presence of one or more winning patterns
formed by the first symbols; and (h) in response to finding a
winning pattern, awarding a wager win result to the player.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second symbol type is a blank
location displaying in at least substantially all the location's
area a background color or pattern of the matrix and distinguished
from the first symbol type by the absence of a symbol graphic
icon.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, revealing a
multiplier element in the location from which the selected one of
the first symbols is shifted.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of symbols
is displayed in an initial display immediately following a symbol
spinning or symbol changing sequence, responsive to the player
wager input.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, before receiving the
first player selection input, evaluating the matrix for presence of
one or more winning patterns, in addition to the evaluation in
(g).
6. The method of claim 1, wherein shifting the selected one of the
first symbols further comprises providing one of the second symbols
at the original location of the chosen one of the first symbol.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after performing (f),
shifting at least one additional selected first symbols into the
location of another selected adjacent one of the second
symbols.
8. The method of claim 7, in which the step of shifting the at
least one additional selected first symbol is performed
automatically, without the player selection input specific to the
additional selected first symbol.
9. A gaming system including: a gaming device including (i) a
display arrangement having one or more display devices, and (ii) a
player input device arrangement having one or more player input
devices; a game controller arrangement for causing the display
arrangement to (i) display a matrix of symbol locations including a
plurality of symbol locations; to (ii) display a number of first
symbols of a first symbol type at first selected locations in the
matrix, the first symbol type indicative of elements in the matrix
that are made available to be used in forming patterns according to
rules of the game; to (iii) display a number of second symbols of a
second symbol type at second selected locations in the matrix, the
second symbol type indicative of hole elements in the matrix that
may receive shifting symbols from other symbol locations in the
matrix; for (iv) receiving a first player selection input
indicating a chosen one of the first symbols in the matrix to be
moved to the location of a selected adjacent one of the second
symbols; for (v) causing, in response to receiving the first player
selection input, the display arrangement to shifting the chosen one
of the first symbols into the location of a selected adjacent one
of the second symbols; for (vi), after shifting the chosen one of
the first symbols, evaluating the matrix for presence of one or
more winning patterns formed by the first symbols; and for (vii),
in response to finding a winning pattern, awarding a wager win
result to the player.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second symbol type is a
blank location displaying in at least substantially all the
location's area a background color or pattern of the matrix and
distinguished from the first symbol type by the absence of a symbol
graphic icon.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the gaming controller
arrangement is further for revealing a multiplier element in the
location from which the selected one of the first symbols is
shifted.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the second plurality of symbols
is displayed in an initial display immediately following a symbol
spinning or symbol changing sequence, which is performed
immediately responsive to a player wager input.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein shifting the selected one of the
first symbols further comprises providing one of the second symbols
at the original location of the chosen one of the first symbol.
14. The system of claim 9, further comprising, after shifting the
chosen one of the first symbols into the location of the selected
adjacent one of the second symbols, shifting at least one
additional selected first symbol into the location of another
selected adjacent one of the second symbols.
15. A program product embodied in one or more computer readable
media, the program product including: (a) gaming activation program
code executable for receiving a wager input from the player; (b)
gaming matrix program code executable for causing a display an
arrangement to (i) display a matrix of symbol locations including a
plurality of symbol locations; to (ii) display a number of first
symbols of a first symbol type at first selected locations in the
matrix, the first symbol type indicative of elements in the matrix
that are made available to be used in forming patterns according to
rules of the game; and to (iii) display a number of second symbols
of a second symbol type at second selected locations in the matrix,
the second symbol type indicative of hole elements in the matrix
that may receive shifting symbols from other symbol locations in
the matrix; (c) player selection program code executable for
receiving a first player selection input indicating a chosen one of
the first symbols in the matrix to be moved to the location of a
selected adjacent one of the second symbols; (d) symbol shifting
program code executable for, in response to receiving the first
player selection input, shifting the chosen one of the first
symbols into the location of a selected adjacent one of the second
symbols; (e) game controller program code executable for, after
shifting the chosen one of the first symbols, evaluating the matrix
for presence of one or more winning patterns formed by the first
symbols; and (f) award program code executable for, in response to
finding a winning pattern, awarding a wager win result to the
player.
16. The program product of claim 15, wherein the second symbol type
is a blank location displaying in at least substantially all the
location's area a background color or pattern of the matrix and
distinguished from the first symbol type by the absence of a symbol
graphic icon.
17. The program product of claim 15, wherein the symbol shifting
program code is further executable for revealing a multiplier
element in the location from which tile selected one of the first
symbols is shifted.
18. The program product of claim 15, wherein the second plurality
of symbols is displayed in an initial display immediately following
a symbol spinning or symbol changing sequence, which is performed
immediately responsive to the player wager input.
19. The program product of claim 15, wherein shifting the selected
one of the first symbols further comprises providing one of the
second symbols at the original location of the chosen one of the
first symbol.
20. The program product of claim 15, wherein the shifting program
code is further executable for, after shifting the chosen one of
the first symbols into the location of the selected adjacent one of
the second symbols, shifting at least one additional selected first
symbol into the location of another selected adjacent one of the
second symbols.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to gaming systems and to gaming
machines through which players may participate in wagering games.
More particularly, the invention relates to methods for conducting
an interactive wagering game that provides gaming symbols and hole
symbols, where the gaining symbols shift into the hole symbols.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many different types of gaming machines have been developed
to provide various formats and graphic presentations for conducting
games and presenting game results. For example, numerous mechanical
reel-type gaining machines, also known as slot machines, have been
developed with different reel configurations, reel symbols, and
paylines. More recently, gaining machines have been developed with
video monitors that are used to produce simulations of mechanical
spinning reels. These video-based gaming machines may employ one or
more video monitors to provide a wide variety of graphic effects in
addition to simulated spinning reels, and may also provide
secondary/bonus games using different reel arrangements or entirely
different graphics. Many video-based gaming machines have three or
five spinning reels that may be stopped to display a matrix of game
symbols. The symbols displayed on the stopped reels correlate to a
result of the game. Special symbols or bonus symbols are also
employed on reel-type displays to enhance the variety of possible
outcomes.
[0003] Game manufacturers are continuously pressed to develop new
game presentations, formats, and game graphics in an attempt to
provide high entertainment value for players and thereby attract
and keep players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention includes a highly entertaining method
of conducting a game for one or more players. The entertainment
value is achieved partially by a game including gaming symbols and
hole symbols, into which gaming symbols may be shifted during the
course of the game. The present invention encompasses methods for
operating one or more gaming machines as well as both apparatus and
program products for implementing the gaming machine operation
methods.
[0005] A method embodying principles of the invention may be
implemented in a gaming machine using one or more display devices
such as CRTs, LCDs, plasma displays, or other types of video
display devices. The display device or devices are used to show the
variable graphic elements according to the invention. As used in
this disclosure and the accompanying claims, a gaming machine
through which the present invention may be implemented will be
referred to generally as a gaming machine regardless of the nature
of the display device arrangement used to display portions
graphical elements of the game to the player, and regardless of the
manner in which the display device arrangement operates.
[0006] A method according to one form of the invention includes
receiving a wager input from the player and displaying a matrix of
symbol locations having a number of first symbols of a first symbol
type at first selected locations in the matrix, the first symbol
type indicative of elements in the matrix that are made available
to be used in forming patterns according to rules of the game.
Further displayed is a number of second symbols of a second symbol
type at second selected locations in the matrix, the second symbol
type indicative of hole elements in the matrix that may receive
shifting symbols from other symbol locations in the matrix. The
method receives a first player selection input indicating a chosen
one of the first symbols in the matrix to be moved to the location
of a selected adjacent one of the second symbols. In response, the
chosen one of the first symbols is shifted into the location of a
selected adjacent one of the second symbols. After each symbol
shift, the game preferably evaluates the matrix for presence of one
or more winning patterns formed by the first symbols. If there is a
winning pattern, the method awards a wager win result to the
player.
[0007] A gaming system according to one embodiment includes (i) a
display arrangement having one or more display devices, (ii) a
player input device arrangement having one or more player input
devices, and (iii) a game controller arrangement. The gaining
controller arrangement may cooperate with a server to accomplish
one or more if its functions. The controller conducts the game by
causing the display device to display a matrix of symbol locations
having a number of first symbols of a first symbol type at first
selected locations in the matrix, the first symbol type indicative
of elements in the matrix that are made available to be used in
forming patterns according to rules of the game. Further displayed
is a number of second symbols of a second symbol type at second
selected locations in the matrix, the second symbol type indicative
of hole elements in the matrix that may receive shifting symbols
from other symbol locations in the matrix. The controller receives
a first player selection input indicating a chosen one of the first
symbols in the matrix to be moved to the location of a selected
adjacent one of the second symbols. In response, the chosen one of
the first symbols is shifted into the location of a selected
adjacent one of the second symbols. After each symbol shift, the
game preferably evaluates the matrix for presence of one or more
winning patterns formed by the first symbols. If there is a winning
pattern, the controller arrangement awards a wager win result to
the player.
[0008] The present invention may also be embodied in a program
product stored in one or more computer readable media. That is, the
invention may take the form of a computer program that can be
installed and run on one or more machines. A preferred computer
program version of the invention includes several software modules
or sections referred to as "program code." This version of the
program product includes gaining activation program code executable
for receiving a wager input from the player. Also included is
gaining matrix program code executable for causing a display
arrangement to (i) display a matrix of symbol locations including a
plurality of symbol locations, to (ii) display a number of first
symbols of a first symbol type at first selected locations in the
matrix, the first symbol type being those elements in the matrix
are made available to be used in forming patterns according to
rules of the game, and to (iii) display a number of second symbols
of a second symbol type at second selected locations in the matrix,
the second symbol type indicative of hole elements in the matrix
that may receive shifting symbols from other symbol locations in
the matrix. The program product also includes player selection
program code executable for receiving a first player selection
input indicating a chosen one of the first symbols in the matrix to
be moved to the location of a selected adjacent one of the second
symbols. Further included is symbol shifting program code
executable for, in response to receiving the first player selection
input, shifting the chosen one of the first symbols into the
location of a selected adjacent one of the second symbols. Next
included is the game controller program code executable for, after
shifting the chosen one of the first symbols, evaluating the matrix
for presence of one or more winning patterns formed by the first
symbols. Award program code is included executable for, in response
to finding a winning pattern, awarding a wager win result to the
player.
[0009] One embodiment includes a hidden symbol or multiplier symbol
that is revealed by the shifting of symbols in the matrix. In one
embodiment, the bonus symbols revealed, and then an animated
sequence is shown to indicate that a bonus or a multiplier has been
awarded, after which the bonus symbol or multiplier symbol is
removed from the matrix in order to leave a constant number of hole
symbols so that the game may continue shifting symbols without
losing a hole symbol. In other embodiments, the total number of
hole symbols will be reduced by one win, a bonus symbol, or
multiplier symbol is revealed, but the game will continue shifting
symbols until the allotted moves are completed or a winning pattern
is formed. In yet another embodiment, revealing a bonus symbol or a
multiplier symbol may stop the game and award the bonus associated
with the bonus symbol, or may affect the game in another manner
such as by adding one or more additional hole symbols to the
matrix, or extending the number of moves permitted to try and solve
the matrix in the current game round.
[0010] In some versions of the game, the player is allowed to
select only the first symbol to shift in order to begin solving the
matrix to produce a winning pattern. These versions may employ
pre-solved solutions that automatically control the shifting of
gaming symbols into holes after the player's initial selection.
Some other versions allow the player to select symbols a number of
times until a designated limit is reached.
[0011] Some versions evaluate the symbol matrix after each move to
detect a winning pattern, while others evaluate after a preselected
number of moves. Still others use a pre-solved sequence of moves
that does not require evaluation after each move. The pre-solved
sequences are preferably stored in data objects so that they may be
selected in response to the player selecting a particular move to
make in the gaining matrix. Other embodiments select a gaming
result for the game round based on the player's chosen move. In
that case, a pre-solved sequence is preferably chosen to implement
that gaining result. Other versions include a real-time solver
software module to solve the matrix after the player's initial
choice.
[0012] In one preferred form of the gaming system, the game
controller arrangement includes a game server and a respective game
client at each one of the one or more gaming machines. The game
server is in communication with each of the one or more gaming
machines and functions to generating display control commands and
communicate the display control commands to each of the one or more
gaming machines. Each respective game client functions to respond
to the respective display control commands communicated to the
respective gaming machine.
[0013] These and other advantages and features of the invention
will be apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a view in front perspective of a gaining machine
which may be used in a gaming system embodying the principles of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic
components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a network arrangement
connecting a number of gaming machines according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the general process of play
at a gaining machine that includes a variable symbol shifting bonus
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the process at a particular
gaming machine during the conduct of a variable symbol shifting
bonus game according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing another variation of a
gaining machine process in the conduct of a variable symbol
shifting game according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a sequence of data structures that may be used
in a bonus game according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing another variation of a game
process in which the player's choice affects the game outcome
selected.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a representation of a graphic display showing an
initial status of the symbol matrix with gaining symbols and hole
symbols according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 shows an example symbol matrix with a shifting
symbol occurring after the matrix shown in FIG. 9
[0024] FIG. 11 shows a symbol matrix of FIGS. 9 and 10, after all
symbol shifting has occurred in the game, and a winning combination
of symbols has been formed.
[0025] FIG. 12 shows an alternative symbol shifting process
according to another embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a gaming machine 100 that may be used to
implement a symbol shifting game according to the present
invention. The block diagram of FIG. 2 shows further details of
gaming machine 100. Referring to FIG. 1, gaming machine 100
includes a cabinet 101 having a front side generally shown at
reference numeral 102. A primary video display device 104 is
mounted in a central portion of the front surface 102, with a ledge
106 positioned below the primary video display device and
projecting forwardly from the plane of the primary video display
device. In addition to primary video display device 104, the
illustrated gaining machine 100 includes a secondary video display
device 107 positioned above the primary video display device.
Gaming machine 100 also includes two additional smaller auxiliary
display devices, an upper auxiliary display device 108 and a lower
auxiliary display device 109. It should also be noted that each
display device referenced herein may include any suitable display
device including a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma
display, LED display, or any other type of display device currently
known or that may be developed in the future.
[0027] Gaming machine 100, illustrated in FIG. 1, also includes a
number of mechanical control buttons 110 mounted on ledge 106.
These control buttons 110 may allow a player to select a bet level,
select pay lines, select a type of game or game feature, and
actually start a play in a primary game. Other forms of gaming
machines according to the invention may include switches,
joysticks, or other mechanical input devices, and/or virtual
buttons and other controls implemented on a suitable touch screen
video display. For example, primary video display device 104 in
gaming machine 100 provides a convenient display device for
implementing touch screen controls.
[0028] It will be appreciated that gaming machines may also include
a number of other player interface devices in addition to devices
that are considered player controls for use in playing a particular
game. Gaining machine 100 also includes a currency/voucher acceptor
having an input ramp 112, a player card reader having a player card
input 114, and a voucher/receipt printer having a voucher/receipt
output 115. Audio speakers 116 generate an audio output to enhance
the user's playing experience. Numerous other types of devices may
be included in gaming machines that may be used according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows that gaming machine 100 includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 205 along with random access memory (RAM) 206
and nonvolatile memory or storage device 207. All of these devices
are connected on a system bus 208 with an audio interface device
209, a network interface 210, and a serial interface 211. A
graphics processor 215 is also connected on bus 208 and is
connected to drive primary video display device 104 and secondary
video display device 107 (both mounted on cabinet 101 as shown in
FIG. 1). A second graphics processor 216 is also connected on bus
208 in this example to drive the auxiliary display devices 108 and
109 also shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, gaming machine 100
also includes a touch screen controller 217 connected to system bus
208. Touch screen controller 21 7 is also connected via signal path
218 to receive signals from a touch screen element associated with
primary video display device 104. It will be appreciated that the
touch screen element itself typically comprises a thin film that is
secured over the display surface of primary video display device
104. The touch screen element itself is not illustrated or
referenced separately in the figures.
[0030] Those familiar with data processing devices and systems will
appreciate that other basic electronic components will be included
in gaining machine 100 such as a power supply, cooling systems for
the various system components, audio amplifiers, and other devices
that are common in gaming machines. These additional devices are
omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the present
invention in unnecessary detail.
[0031] All of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211
shown in FIG. 2 are elements commonly associated with a personal
computer. These elements are preferably mounted on a standard
personal computer chassis and housed in a standard personal
computer housing which is itself mounted in cabinet 101 shown in
FIG. 1. Alternatively, the various electronic components may be
mounted on one or more circuit boards housed within cabinet 101
without a separate enclosure such as those found in personal
computers. Those familiar with data processing systems and the
various data processing elements shown in FIG. 2 will appreciate
that many variations on this illustrated structure may be used
within the scope of the present invention. For example, since
serial communications are commonly employed to communicate with a
touch screen controller such as touch screen controller 217, the
touch screen controller may not be connected on system bus 208, but
instead include a serial communications line to serial interface
211, which may be a USB controller or a IEEE 1394 controller for
example. It will also be appreciated that some of the devices shown
in FIG. 2 as being connected directly on system bus 208 may in fact
communicate with the other system components through a suitable
expansion bus. Audio interface 209, for example, may be connected
to the system via a PCI bus. System bus 208 is shown in FIG. 2
merely to indicate that the various components are connected in
some fashion for communication with CPU 205 and is not intended to
limit the invention to any particular bus architecture. Numerous
other variations in the gaming machine internal structure and
system may be used without departing from the principles of the
present invention.
[0032] It will also be appreciated that graphics processors are
also commonly a part of modern computer systems. Although separate
graphics processor 215 is shown for controlling primary video
display device 104 and secondary video display device 107, and
graphics processor 216 is shown for controlling both auxiliary
display devices 108 and 109, it will be appreciated that CPU 205
may control all of the display devices directly without any
intermediate graphics processor. The invention is not limited to
any particular arrangement of processing devices for controlling
the video display devices included with gaming machine 100. Also, a
gaming machine implementing the present invention is not limited to
any particular number of video display devices or other types of
display devices, provided some display arrangement is included for
displaying the symbol shifting graphic, the selectable objects, and
the display modifications resulting from the selection of the
various selectable objects.
[0033] In the illustrated gaming machine 100, CPU 205 executes
software which ultimately controls the entire gaining machine
including the receipt of player inputs and the presentation of the
graphic symbols displayed according to the invention through
display devices 104, 107, 108, and 109 associated with the gaining
machine. As will be discussed further below, CPU 205 either alone
or in combination with graphics processor 215 may implement a
presentation controller for performing functions associated with a
primary game that may be available through the gaming machine and
may also implement a game client for directing one or more display
devices at the gaining machine to display portions of a symbol
shifting game according to the present invention. CPU 205 also
executes software related to communications handled through network
interface 210, and software related to various peripheral devices
such as those connected to the system through audio interface 209,
serial interface 211, and touch screen controller 217. CPU 205 may
also execute software to perform accounting functions associated
with game play. Random access memory 206 provides memory for use by
CPU 205 in executing its various software programs while
nonvolatile memory or storage device 207 may comprise a hard drive
or other mass storage device providing storage for programs not in
use or for other data generated or used in the course of gaming
machine operation. Network interface 210 provides an interface to
other components of a gaining system in which gaming machine 100 is
included. In particular, network interface 210 provides an
interface to a game server which controls certain aspects of the
multiplayer, variable symbol shifting game as will be discussed
below in connection with FIG. 3.
[0034] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to
gaining machines employing the personal computer-type arrangement
of processing devices and interfaces shown in example gaming
machine 100. Other gaming machines through which a variable symbol
shifting game is implemented may include one or more special
purpose processing devices to perform the various processing steps
for implementing the present invention. Unlike general purpose
processing devices such as CPU 205, these special purpose
processing devices may not employ operational program code to
direct the various processing steps.
[0035] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to
gaming machines including only video display devices for conveying
results. It is possible to implement a variable symbol shifting
game within the scope of the present invention using an electro
mechanical arrangement or even a purely mechanical arrangement for
displaying the symbol shifting graphic, the selectable objects, and
the display modifications resulting from the selection of the
various selectable objects. However, the most preferred forms of
the invention utilize one or more video display devices for
displaying the symbol shifting graphic, the selectable objects, and
the display modifications resulting from the selection of the
various selectable objects. For example, a gaming machine suitable
for providing a variable symbol shifting game may include a
mechanical reel-type display rather than a video-type display
device for displaying results in a primary game, and include a
video display device for presenting the variable symbol shifting
game as a bonus game. Thus, a gaming machine suitable for use in
the present invention may have a structure similar to that shown
for gaining machine 100 in FIG. 1, but with a mechanical reel-type
display replacing primary video display device 104, and video
display device 107 being used for displaying the symbol shifting
graphic, the selectable objects, and the display modifications
resulting from the selection of the various selectable objects.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, a gaming system 300 according to
the present invention includes a number of gaining machines, each
comprising a gaming machine 100 in this example implementation. For
purposes of describing system 300, each gaming machine 100 in FIG.
3 is shown as including a video display device 107 and a player
interface that may include buttons, switches, or other physical
controls and/or touch screen controls as discussed above in
connection with FIG. 1. This player interface is labeled 301 in
FIG. 3. System 300 further includes a game server 302 and a
respective game client 303 (abbreviated "GC" in FIG. 3) included
with each respective gaming machine 100. In the form of the
invention shown in FIG. 3, these two components, game server 302
and game client components 303, combine to implement a game control
arrangement which will be described in detail below. System 300
also includes an award controller 305, which is shown in FIG. 3 as
being associated with game server 302 to indicate that the two
components may be implemented through a common data processing
device/computer system. Gaming machines 100, game server 302, and
award controller 305 are connected in a network communication
arrangement including first and second network switches 306 and
307, connected together through various wired or wireless signal
paths, all shown as communications links 308 in FIG. 3.
[0037] Each gaming machine 100, and particularly player interface
301 associated with each gaming machine, allows a player to make
any inputs that may be required to make the respective gaming
machine eligible for a symbol shifting game, and make a selection
of selectable objects displayed at the respective gaming machine in
the course of a symbol shifting game. Player interface 301 also
allows a player at the gaming machine to initiate plays in a
primary game available through the gaining machine in some
implementations. The respective video display device 107 associated
with each respective gaining machine 100 is used according to the
invention to generate the graphic displays to show the various
elements of a symbol shifting game at the respective gaming
machine.
[0038] The game control arrangement made up of game server 302 and
the respective game client 303 at a given gaming machine functions
to control the respective video display device 107 for that gaming
machine to display a symbol shifting symbol matrix according to the
techniques described herein. In preferred embodiments, an award
controller 305 is responsible for awarding prizes for a player's
participation in a symbol shifting game, and maintaining
progressive prize information in cases where the symbol shifting
game offers one or more progressive prizes, for example as an
optional bonus game.
[0039] Various implementations of the present invention employ
various communications between game server 302 and the various
gaming machines 100 included in system 300. The network arrangement
made up of network switches 306 and 307, and the various
communication links 308 shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated merely as an
example of a suitable communications arrangement. The present
invention is not limited to any particular communications
arrangement for facilitating communications between game server 302
and various gaining machines 100. Any wired or wireless
communication arrangement employing any suitable communications
protocols (such as TCP/IP for example) may be used in an apparatus
according to the invention.
[0040] The example system 300 shown in FIG. 3 shows two different
groups of four gaming machines 100, but this is not limiting and
typically a game server and award controller will service many more
gaming machines. FIG. 3 shows other server(s) 310 included in the
network. This illustrated "other server(s)" element 310 may include
one or more data processing devices for performing various
functions related to games conducted through system 300 and any
other games that may be available to players through gaming
machines 100. For example, apparatus 300 may provide support for
cashless gaining or various forms of mixed cash/cashless gaining
through the various gaming machines 100. In this example, one more
other servers 310 will be included in apparatus 300 for supporting
these types of wagering and payout systems. As another example, the
various gaming machines 100 included in system 300 may allow
players to participate in a game (primary game) other than a symbol
shifting game, and this other game may rely on a result identified
at or in cooperation with a device that is remote from the gaining
machines. In this example, another server 310 may be included in
the system for identifying results for the primary game and
communicating those results to the various gaining machines 100 as
necessary. Generally, the other server(s) 310 shown in FIG. 3 are
shown only to indicate that numerous other components may be
included along with the elements that participate in providing
symbol shifting games according to the present invention. Other
server(s) 310 may provide record keeping, player tracking,
accounting, or result identifying services, or any other services
that may be useful or necessary in a gaining system.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a process 400 that may be performed at the
various gaming machines 100 included in gaming system 300 shown in
FIG. 3. In particular, process 400 illustrates the interaction
between a primary game that may be available at a respective gaming
machine 100, and a variable symbol shifting game implemented as a
bonus game through the gaining machine. Once the player logs in at
gaming machine 100 or otherwise activates the gaming machine as
indicated at process block 401, the player may make a suitable
eligibility input at the gaming machine as indicated at process
block 402. If a bonus game is started as indicated by a positive
outcome at decision block 404, the process proceeds to conduct a
bonus game as indicated at process block 406. This bonus game may
comprise a symbol shifting game according to the present invention.
Once the bonus game is completed, the process loops back to receive
any other eligibility input as necessary. If the bonus game is not
starting for the respective gaming machine 100 as indicated by a
negative outcome at decision block 404, the process proceeds to
conduct a primary game as indicated at process block 409 in the
event that a primary game initiating input, that is, a "game play,"
has been entered as indicated by a positive outcome at decision
block 408. If a game play has not been entered at the gaining
machine, the process then loops back to determine if the bonus game
is to start.
[0042] Process 400 shown in FIG. 4 is a simplified process included
in this disclosure to indicate that gaming machine 100 may require
an eligibility input in order to be entitled to participate in a
symbol shifting game according to the present invention. In one
preferred embodiment, a gaming machine may be made eligible for the
symbol shifting game by placing a suitable side bet at the gaming
machine. In this embodiment, a particular side bet entered at the
respective gaining machine 100 makes the gaming machine eligible
for a bonus game that starts within a fixed period of time after
the side bet is made. The respective gaining machine 100 may
maintain a countdown timer showing the time of eligibility
remaining. The respective gaming machine 100 may include a
component that monitors the eligibility time remaining and, when
the eligibility time is about to expire, produce a suitable prompt
for the player providing a suitable indication to that effect and
providing the player an opportunity to renew the eligibility by
making another side bet.
[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
eligibility may be handled in a number of ways within the scope of
the present invention. Also, some forms of the invention may not
require a separate eligibility input but instead may make a given
gaming machine eligible in response to a particular bet level in
the primary game. In yet other forms of the invention, all gaming
machines may be automatically eligible for participation in a
symbol shifting game, and no eligibility inputs are necessary to
participate in such a game.
[0044] It should be noted that process 400 in FIG. 4 assumes that
the symbol shifting game is conducted as a bonus game at a gaming
machine that also offers a primary game that the player may play in
between symbol shifting games. However, the invention is not
limited to the implementation of a symbol shifting game as a bonus
game. In particular, a symbol shifting game may be implemented as a
primary game at gaming machine 100, and may be offered with or
without any bonus or secondary games.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a process 500 that may be performed at a
respective gaming machine 100 during the conduct of a symbol
shifting game, whether conducted as a bonus game as indicated at
block 406 in FIG. 4 or otherwise. In process 500, the respective
gaming machine 100 receives an initial display command at the start
of a particular symbol shifting game. After receiving the initial
display command as indicated at process block 501, gaining machine
100 displays the first and second types of symbols, that is the
gaming symbols and hole symbols, in the symbol matrix at the gaming
machine as indicated at process block 502. That is, either the
respective gaming machine 100 or gaming server 302 causes the
desired display device(s) at the gaming machine to display the
first and second hole symbols in the matrix. In a preferred
embodiment this is done by portraying the matrix of symbol
locations as simulated spinning reels, with columns of symbol
locations moving vertically to depict a spinning motion like a
classic reel slot machine well known in the art.
[0046] After block 502, the process waits for gaining machine 100
to return the player selection input at block 504. This input
returned from gaming machine 100 indicates one of the gaming
symbols (first type) to be shifted into the location of a hole
symbol. In this manner, the player is provided a chance to try to
improve the position of symbols in the matrix in order to form a
winning pattern. One example symbol matrix at this stage is
provided in FIG. 9 below for reference. In response to a prompt,
the player selects a gaming symbol to move to an adjacent hole
symbol. In some embodiments, merely selecting a gaming symbol may
be an ambiguous input because a particular gaming symbol may be
adjacent to more than one hole symbol. To provide an accurate
choice in such case, gaining symbols that are adjacent to multiple
hole symbols may be provided with selectable arrow indicators to
receive the player input. In some cases arrows or other such active
areas are presented for all of the moveable symbols. The player
input preferably occurs through touching the actual symbol, arrow,
or other active area, using the gaming machine touchscreen.
[0047] After receiving the player input from gaming machine 100 in
block 504 of process 500, the process 500 then causes gaming
machine 100 to display the chosen symbol graphic shift sequence in
the symbol matrix as indicated in process block 506. That is, the
gaming machine then displays the symbols shift chosen by the
player. The process then checks to see if a winning pattern is
present as indicated in decision block 508. Winning patterns are
preferably formed by gaming symbols and not hole symbols. If a
winning combination is not detected at block 508, process 500 then
checks to see if the maximum number of selections has been reached
as indicated in decision block 514. If the maximum number of
selections has not been reached as indicated in decision block 514,
process 500 then returns to block 504 to wait for another selection
input by the player in the symbol matrix. Selections continue until
the maximum selections are reached at decision block 514, or a
winning pattern is detected at block 508.
[0048] If the maximum number of selections has been reached back at
block 514, process 500 causes gaming machine 100 to display the
results of the gameplay as indicated in block 516. Process 500 then
returns to the primary game as indicated in block 518.
[0049] In the event of a winning combination being detected at
block 508, process 500 awards any wager winnings to the player if
winning patterns are achieved, as indicated in block 510. After
awarding the wager winnings in block 510, process 500 returns to
the primary game as indicated in block 512.
[0050] Process 500 shown in FIG. 5 represents one preferred process
conducted at a respective gaming machine 100 for an implementation
of a symbol shifting game as implemented through a gaming system as
shown in FIG. 3. Other versions use a different flowchart which
only allows one selection by the player, and conducts the remaining
symbol shifting steps under the control of the gaining machine,
automatically.
[0051] In this preferred form of the invention, the functions of
the gaining machine in the symbol shifting game all relate
producing various displays and modifications to the graphic
displays in response to information received from game server 302.
Other forms of symbol shifting games within the scope of the
present invention may distribute functions differently across the
network. In particular, rather than rely exclusively on information
provided by game server 302 as indicated in process 500, the
respective gaining machine 100 may act on at least some information
available to the gaining machine without any communication with the
game server.
[0052] The type of information received in the initial display
command as indicated at process block 501 may include any initial
information necessary to allow the respective gaming machine 100 to
display the desired symbol shifting graphic in its initial state
and to display the selectable objects in their initial state
according to process block 502.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a gaming process according to another
embodiment, in which the symbol shifting game is provided as a base
game for a wagering slot machine. This process also uses only one
selection by the player, and provides the remaining moves or symbol
shifts automatically.
[0054] Referring to the depicted process 600, the respective gaming
machine 100 receives an initial display command at the start of a
particular symbol shifting game. After receiving the initial
display command as process block 601 in response to a player wager
input, gaming machine 100 displays the first and second types of
symbols, that is the gaming symbols and hole symbols in the symbol
matrix at the gaming machine as indicated at process block 602.
[0055] Next, the process prompts for player input in moving a
gaming symbol to try and solve the matrix. The player input is
provided indicating a desired symbol and direction in which the
player wants that symbol to shift, as indicated in block 604. Using
the input, process 600 causes gaming machine 100 to display a first
player chosen symbol graphic shift sequence in the symbol matrix as
indicated in block 606.
[0056] After process 600 displays the first player chosen symbol
graphic shift sequence in the symbol matrix as indicated in block
606, the process may check to see if a winning combination has been
reached, or if maximum moves have been reached (optional step not
shown). Some versions will use symbol matrixes that require a
minimum number of moves to reach a winning pattern, or use
pre-solved sets of moves as further described below, and therefore
do not need to check for a winning pattern here. Next at block 608,
the process determines the next move as indicated in block 608. The
next move is a subsequent shifting of yet another gaming symbol
into a hole in the symbol matrix. The move may either be determined
in one preferred version, by a pre-solved sequence that may be
stored in a script, or the move may be determined by use of a
real-time solver implemented as a software module. In any event,
after the process has determined the next move, it then causes
gaming machine 100 to display a graphic sequence implementing the
next move as an animated shifting of a gaming symbol into a hole,
as indicated in block 610.
[0057] After, or while, displaying the next move the process checks
to see if a winning combination or if maximum moves have been
reached, as indicated in block 612. In the event of neither a
winning combination nor a maximum moves reached as indicated in
block 612, process 600 returns to block 608 where the gaming
controller determines the next move. In the event of maximum moves
being reached as indicated at block 612, then the process causes
the gaming machine to award any wager winning, responsive to the
presence of a winning pattern, as indicated at block 614. The
determination of whether the maximum number of moves is reached may
vary between individual game rounds or individual pre-solved data
sets (described below). For example, some pre-solved data sets may
include different numbers of moves, and so the final move will
occur after a different number of iterations through the loop shown
toward the end of the process in FIG. 6. In versions that use a
real-time solver to produce moves in response to the player's first
chosen move, the solver is preferably configured to read a maximum
number of moves associated with the stored configuration data
indicating the initial state of the symbol matrix. That is, certain
initial display combinations (what symbols arc displayed and where
the symbols and holes are displayed) will have higher potential for
awards and may have a lower limit on the maximum number of moves
allowed than other initial display combinations.
[0058] FIG. 7 shows a sequence of data structures that may be used
in a symbol shifting game according to some embodiments of the
invention. The depicted data structures are used to generate matrix
shifting sequences and display the results. This is merely one
example implementation, and one of skill in the art will understand
from the remaining disclosure that many other implementations are
possible to achieve similar results. The arrows in FIG. 7 depict
the order in which the various data structures are used during the
course of a game. Similar data structures may be used in both the
case where the gaming machine produces results for base games
played thereon, and where the gaining machine instead sends game
play requests and player selection inputs to the server, which
sends game results or display instructions back. Preferably a
server provides the outcome for a game, while the gaining machine
handles player interaction and display of shifting symbols in the
symbol matrix.
[0059] Regardless of where the results are generated, typically the
generation follows one of two processes. In the first process, a
generated random number is used to index a table and lookup an
outcome in the table. In such a version, the outcomes are stored in
a lookup table 71 which is indexed by the random number to provide
suitable distributed, randomly-selected results. The lookup table
has a number of outcome entries/record 712, each with an index 714,
a prize amount 77 in credits, and a progressive entry ticket field
716. The outcome entry may have other data fields to control other
parts of the game. The progressive entry ticket field 716 indicates
whether the record outcome contains one or more progressive game
entry tickets.
[0060] The second available process of game outcome generation, as
opposed to a game outcome determined by random number, is to use an
outcome record pool of predetermined outcomes in place of the
lookup table 71. In those games, an outcome record 712 (rather than
a lookup table entry) is chosen from record pool 71 in response to
a game play request. Still other embodiments may use a
server-hosted bingo game with multiple game play requests
participating as bingo cards, the bingo patterns determining prize
outcomes. Referring to an outcome record pool 71, such record pool
may be stored at a game server and accessed with game play requests
from the gaming machine, or the server may allocate pools of
outcome records to be stored and used locally at a gaming machine.
In either case, the depicted game sequence provides an outcome
record 712 in response to a player game play request, such as
pushing the spin button to make a wager. An outcome record 712 is
chosen from the pool either randomly or from a randomly-organized
queue. The chosen record has a record identifier 714 (rather than
an index 714 as used in the first embodiment option for FIG. 7), a
prize amount 77 in credits, and a progressive entry ticket field
716. The outcome record data object may have other data fields to
control other parts of the game. The progressive entry ticket field
716 indicates whether one or more entry tickets are earned for the
progressive game. A preferred embodiment displays a designated
outcome in the base game to indicate that a progressive entry
ticket has been earned. Also, an earned ticket causes a multiplier
to be stored based on the value of the player's side bet or bet
participation level. The multipliers may accumulate over time.
[0061] The preferred process to display base game results is as
follows. To start updating the base game display, the gaming
machine display controller uses prize amount field 77 to select a
display control script from a group of scripts 72. This step is
indicated by the arrow labeled "1." The selection process at arrow
1 may be made in any suitable manner that selects a display control
script to display the base bonus outcome based on the outcome
record. The selected script is used to control the display to
provide an exciting series of events in the free-spin bonus round.
A preferred control sequence proceeds as follows. The gaming
machine presentation controller uses prize amount 77 to select a
set 724 of display control scripts from script group 72. Group 72
includes multiple sets. The selected set 724 includes, in this
example version, all display control scripts that have a total
prize outcome equal to prize amount 77. A separate group may be
provided to display entry-ticket winning outcomes for each prize
amount, or a separate display area or sequence may be provided for
displaying progressive entry ticket winning results. Set 724
preferably includes many display control scripts that each one uses
a different set of symbols for the display matrix to indicate the
total prize amount. This helps provide variety and excitement to
the game. For example, suppose the selected game outcome entry or
record 712 is a winning result having a prize amount 77 indicating
a 125-credit prize. The display controller looks to the group of
display control scripts 72 and finds the set of scripts 724 that
all have a total prize value of 125 credits. The display controller
then randomly selects from this set, preferably by generating a
random number and using it as an index to identify a particular
script. Any suitable random selection or randomization step may be
used, or a predetermined sequence may also be used if it is long
enough that no pattern is discernable during player use of the
gaming machine. In any event, a single display control script 726
is chosen from the set 724 for use in displaying the base game
results to the player. This is indicated by the arrow marked
"2."
[0062] A display control script 726 chosen at arrow 2 for the free
spin bonus round includes, in this version, the depicted data
fields. The fields are shown with field name on the left and an
example value on the right. Other fields may also be included, and
some fields are not absolutely necessary. This version includes the
total prize field in the display control script for tracking
purposes. Script 726 contains an Initial Matrix State field
identifying each symbol in the display matrix as it is initially
displayed. The Frequency field indicates a number indicating the
hit frequency or probability that this particular script will be
selected from set 724. The depicted example shows a 0.05 Frequency
value, indicating that this script will be shown 5% of the time
that a total prize of 125 credits is awarded in the base game. This
hit frequency is preferably controlled through selection by an
evenly-distributed random number, but may be enforced by other
suitable methods, including random number based methods or methods
that rigidly enforce the hit frequency.
[0063] The presentation controller employs script 726 to control
what symbols are shown in what locations in the symbol matrix,
including a first type, gaming symbols of various types used in the
game, and a second type, hole symbols, which indicate that gaining
symbols may move into the hole symbol position. In a preferred
game, the initial symbols filling the matrix are created after a
simulated reel spin. In such case, the reels are simulated as
having symbols of the first and second type, which come to a stop
position as the simulated reel spin is completed. In the depicted
script, this is caused by the Initial Matrix State field, which
acts to control the matrix simulator, as shown by the arrow marked
"3," which points to matrix simulator 728. Simulator 728 simulates
spinning slot-machine reels and displays resulting symbols. Each
simulated reel is modeled as a set of reel-symbols arranged in a
circle. In the preferred game, one symbol from each simulated reel
is shown at a time (although other games may use multi-symbol
reels, such as 3 or 5 symbol reel). While the reel simulator may
appear to players to be five 3-symbol reels, the simulator actually
includes 7 simulated reels, each showing a single position
(uni-symbol reels). In the depicted reel simulator 728, for
example, each square 5, 6, and 7 and so on represents a single
symbol displayed from a different reel, and squares 8 and 9 and so
on also represent a single-symbol reel display. The simulated reels
are controlled by their position, which is designated by which
symbol place on the reel is presented at the center space in the
three vertical symbol spaces shown in the 5 reels.
[0064] After matrix simulator 728 shows the matrix in its initial
state, the gaming controller then displays a prompt and other
appropriate indicators on the symbol matrix for the player to
choose a symbol of the first type, that is a gaming symbol, to be
moved into the location of a designated hole symbol. For each
possible choice that is available for the player to make, in this
embodiment, script 726 provides a set of pre-solved data which
tells the matrix simulator what subsequent moves are in order to
solve the matrix and achieve a game-winning pattern that produces
the prize shown in the total prize field. In the depicted example,
suppose there are eight possible choices the player could make when
presented with the matrix in its initial state. This means that
there are eight possible moves that could be made on the display
matrix by moving a gaming symbol into an adjacent hole. For example
if there are two holes, each surrounded by four symbols, then eight
possible moves are provided. For each of those possible moves,
script 726 stores a set of subsequent moves. These eight sets are
shown labeled as "1.sup.st choice presolve date" through "8.sup.th
choice presolve data." Each set of pre-solved data includes
multiple moves that will be taken automatically to solve the
matrix, after the player makes their initial choice. Each move is
stored, preferably, as a location and a direction. The pre-solved
data sets 1-8 may have different numbers of moves. For example the
1.sup.st choice pre-solved data may contain five moves, while the
2.sup.nd may contain seven moves.
[0065] In some embodiments, the final state of the matrix after all
of the moves in a particular pre-solved data set have been executed
may vary between the different pre-solved data sets. In the
depicted embodiment in FIG. 7, the player's choice cannot change
the fact that they have already been assigned an outcome for this
game, and cannot change the prize, in this example 125 credits,
that is awarded. However, other embodiments such as that in FIG. 8,
may provide that the player's choice can in fact affect the prize
outcome of the game. With regard again to FIG. 7, while the
player's choice does not affect the game outcome in this
embodiment, it can affect the final state of the matrix. For
example the 1.sup.st choice pre-solved data set may award the
125-credit prize by forming a winning pattern of three symbols
arranged horizontally in a certain payline of matrix simulator 728.
Another choice, say for example the 4.sup.th pre-solved data set
which would be selected by the player by choosing the particular
first move that is associated with that data set, might award the
125-credit prize in a different manner, such as, for example,
producing two winning patterns along two different paylines in
matrix 728, each entitled to a smaller prize.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows a gaming process used to conduct a game
according to another embodiment. The gaming process is used to
generate an initial display, receive player input in the game to
select an initial move to solve the matrix, and then select an
outcome based on that initial move. The process then displays the
results by moving symbols to solve the matrix and showing the moves
on the gaming machine display.
[0067] Initially process 800 waits for activation of gaming
machines 101. This activation will also has associated wager
information included, as indicated in block 802. After process 800
receives gaming activation and wager information, then the process
causes game server 302 to generate and allocate player outcomes to
each individual player selection as indicated in block 804. In this
version, the game server does not choose a single outcome that can
be used at the beginning of the game (the wager), but instead
produces multiple outcomes which may be employed during the game,
or may expire unused at the end of the game. The multiple outcomes
are used as follows.
[0068] At block 806, the process displays an initial symbol matrix
to the player, which includes gaming symbols and hole symbols. This
step is preferably conducted under control of the gaming machine,
without intervention from the gaming server. In a preferred
embodiment this step displays simulated reels, which include the
gaming symbols and the hole symbols while spinning, and come to
rest displaying the gaming symbol matrix and its initial matrix
state. While reel simulations are preferred for this game, that is
not limiting and various other embodiments to use other graphic
schemes to portray a graphic sequence which initializes the display
matrix. For example, another embodiment uses multiple shifting
symbol which appear to shift onto the screen with sideways or
vertical movements, and shift among each other, and then stabilize
to display the initial matrix state of gaming and hole symbols.
[0069] After process 800 displays first and second hole symbols in
the symbol matrix as indicated in block 806, the process then waits
for input from gaming machine 101 as indicated in block 808. This
is preferably made by selections on the touchscreen display from
the symbol matrix as described herein. The information provided to
the process as a result of this selection contains the player input
for which chosen symbol to shift as well as the target hole
symbol.
[0070] After receiving the input at block 808, process 800 causes
game server 302 to disregard the outcomes associated with the
nonselected alternatives as indicated in block 810. This block also
selects the outcome associated with the selection made by the
player. In this example game, each possible selection presented to
the player in the initial matrix state, that is, each possible move
to the player can take to begin solving the matrix, is linked to a
single game outcome already generated or allocated, and associated
with that selection back at block 804.
[0071] At block 811, the process next displays the symbol,
identified by the player's selection, shifting into its target hole
position. This block, in a preferred embodiment, also includes
selecting a script for use in displaying the result chosen for the
current game round. A preferred script in this embodiment resembled
script depicted in FIG. 7, but rather than having a set of
pre-solved data each associated with a possible choice that a
player can make, a script of the embodiment of FIG. 8 will instead
include only one set of pre-solved data, because the script is
chosen after the player's first move is selected, and based on the
gaming result selected for the current game.
[0072] From this point, that is from block 811 to depicted block
812, in a preferred embodiment the game controller determines the
next moves needed to solve the matrix and displays them
automatically in a sequence. The sequence includes blocks 812, 814,
and 816, which sequence is repeated until the matrix is solved. At
block 812, the game controller determines the next move based on
pre-solved data contained in the script. A real-time solver may
also be used. Such an alternative embodiment includes a real-time
solver software module, preferably executing on the gaming machine,
which employs as an input the prize for the current gaining result
and the matrix state after the first move selected by the player.
The real-time solver module then provides the subsequent moves to
solve the matrix and provides the desired winning pattern(s) within
certain constraints as to how many moves may be used as a minimum
and maximum. However, preferably a pre-solved data set is used.
After determining each move based on pre-solved script or the
real-time solver, the process displays a symbol-shifting graphic
sequence needed to implement the move on the symbol matrix at block
814.
[0073] At block 816, the process determines if a winning
combination has been reached, or if maximum moves has been reached.
If neither a winning combination nor maximum moves has been
reached, then the process loops back to determine the next move as
indicated in block 812. If the process determines that either a
winning combination or maximum moves has been reached, then the
process moves on to block 818 and award any wager winnings to the
player. Note that block 818 includes no prize awarded for those
outcomes that do not contain a prize. In some games, a large
percentage of outcomes will not pay an award.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows one example symbol matrix and its initial
position according to one embodiment. Symbol matrix 900 includes
two types of symbols, the first being gaming symbols 904, 906, 908,
and 910, which in this example embodiment have an archaeological
theme. The second type of symbols in symbol matrix 900 are hole
symbols 902. As depicted, in this example hole symbols 902 are
shown as blank spaces with no discernible symbol present,
preferably with a black background. In other embodiments, the hole
symbols may actually include a graphic symbol of some type to
indicate its presence.
[0075] The depicted symbol matrix 900 is shown in its initial state
after the player presses the wager button and the reels (vertical
columns of symbols) spin or some other randomization process occurs
to visually indicate that the slot machine game round has been
activated.
[0076] Other embodiments may show an initial display without any
hole symbols 902, and may instead create the hole symbols by
providing the player with a choice to select and remove symbols
from the symbol matrix. The removed symbol may then be replaced
with a hole symbol, and the game may proceed according to the
process starting at block 608 in FIG. 6. That is, the initial
choice made by the player may be to remove a symbol of the first
type (gaming symbol), and replace it with a symbol of the second
type (hole symbol). The gaming controller may then choose
subsequent gaming symbols to shift into the hole symbol
locations.
[0077] FIG. 10 shows an example symbol matrix with a shifting
symbol occurring after the matrix shown in FIG. 9. In this depicted
sequence, gaming symbol 908 from FIG. 9 has been selected by the
player, and is now being shifted. The shift is indicated by the
arrow marked "symbol shift". The shifting symbol is moving to fill
the space of the adjacent hole symbol 902, thus leaving a new hole
symbol 1002 and the space originally occupied by the shifting
symbol. In a preferred game, the shift is shown with a graphic
animated sequence in which the symbol slides to its new position
over the course of a perceptible amount of time a player. For
example, each shift of the symbol may take around one half second,
or more, with the appropriate speed of the symbol shift being
determined to provide a movement that the player watching the
symbol matrix would be able to notice and observe. In the preferred
game, every symbol shift, whether selected by the player or
initiated automatically by the gaming controller, is displayed with
such an intimated shifting of the game symbols. According to the
rules of the preferred game, gaming symbols can only shift into
hole symbols, it cannot exchange places or shift into over other
symbols. As previously discussed, a prompt maybe displayed to the
player telling them to choose a gaming symbol to shift into a hole
symbol, with the goal of forming a winning pattern or combination
of gaming symbols, as will be explained in the game prize table
preferably presented on the screen beside the symbol matrix or
available from help screens in the game.
[0078] FIG. 11 shows a symbol matrix of FIGS. 9 and 10, after all
symbol shifting has occurred in the game, and a winning combination
of symbols has been formed. The depicted symbol matrix 1100 still
includes gaming symbols of the first symbol type including symbols
1104 and 1106, and hole symbols (second symbol type) 1102, although
the hole symbols have moved from their original location as shown
in FIG. 9. As shown, two crown symbols 1104 and two cross symbols
1106 are highlighted in the center of symbol matrix 1100 to
indicate that they form a winning combination. A winning
combination is any defined grouping or line of gaming symbols, and
can include scatter symbol combinations as are typically known in
the art. If symbol matrix 1100 is used in a reel-based game like
some examples discussed herein, pay lines may be defined through
the symbol matrix and may have visual indicators along the edges of
the simple matrix. In such case, winning patterns may not only be
highlighted, but may include an animation of the winning line along
which the winning pattern is formed, as is traditionally known in
the art.
[0079] FIG. 12 shows an alternative symbol shifting process
according to another embodiment. The depicted symbol matrix 1 200
shows a symbol shifting process that would occur, in this
alternative embodiment, also immediately after the symbol matrix
shown in FIG. 9. However in this embodiment the shifting symbol
does not necessarily leave behind a hole symbol when it moves. Some
gaming symbols may shift to reveal hidden bonus symbols or prize
multiplier ("multiple") symbol 1202, as is shown with regard to the
depicted symbol shift indicated at the arrow labeled "symbol
shift." The bonus symbols or multiplier symbol 1202 may have
various effects on the game in different embodiments. In one
embodiment, the bonus symbols are revealed, and then an animated
sequence is shown to indicate that a bonus or a multiplier has been
awarded, after which bonus symbol or multiplier symbol 1202 is
removed from matrix 1200 in order to leave two hole symbols so that
the game may continue shifting symbols without losing a hole
symbol. In other embodiments, the total number of hole symbols will
be reduced by one win a bonus symbol or multiplier symbol 1202 is
revealed, but the game will continue shifting symbols until the
allotted moves are completed or winning pattern is formed. In yet
another embodiment, revealing a bonus symbol or a multiplier symbol
may stop the game and award the bonus associated with the bonus
symbol, or may affect the game in another manner such as adding one
or more additional hole symbols to the matrix, or extending the
number of moves permitted to try and solve the matrix in the
current game round.
[0080] Any use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third,"
etc., to refer to an element does not by itself connote any
priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, or the
temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather,
unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used
merely as labels to distinguish one element having a certain name
from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal
term).
[0081] Further, as described herein, the various features have been
provided in the context of various described embodiments, but may
be used in other embodiments. The combinations of features
described herein should not be interpreted to be limiting, and the
features herein may be used in any working combination or
sub-combination according to the invention. This description should
therefore be interpreted as providing written support, under U.S.
patent law and any relevant foreign patent laws, for any working
combination or some sub-combination of the features herein.
[0082] The above described preferred embodiments are intended to
illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the
scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications
to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *